Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-09-08
FIT. SMITH CORRESPONDENCE.
A Delayed, Though Very interest
ing Letter From q Cherokee.

country, l proceed to give them.
Last week one ofthe most inter-
esling cases before the United
States court was disposed Of The
charge was murder. George Beeler,
the defendant, was brother-in-law
to the man killed-Fredd. Both
parties were well connected before
they came to the territory and
married into a highly respected
family of the Chickasaw nation.
Plea of defendant-self defence.
The main point of interest in the
above case was one of jurisdiction.
There were present at the court a
considerable number of prominent
Choctaw and Chickasaw citizens,
anxious to see how Judge Parker
would determine. The judges de-
cision was elaborate and able,
claiming and exercising jurisdic-
ton only on the ground that the
marriage Of Fredd was not in ac-
cordance with the laws ofthe Chick
asaw nation, he having been mar
ried in the state Of Texas. Beeler
was tired and acquitted.
The most interesting case to
those who are brought here as
witnesses is the one in which they
are to testify. The first week
the witness is quite afiable and hu-
name but a month might turn his
| gertleness and humanity into des-
peration. So according to my no
ton Of the question, a quick trial
is the one that would insure the
greatest safety.
The commissioner of the Arkan-
sas Valley railroad are holding
their sessions on the strip of land
| lying along the Poteau and Arkan-
sas riyers for the purpose Of cont
demning the right of way on the
same. 1t belongs in part to the
Choctaw and Cherokee nations,
Col. LeFlore, Mrs. Bowers, and a
Mr.. Reynolds occupying that part
belonging to the Choctaws and Mr..
Frank Morgan the part belonging
to the Cherokee nation. Col.
Clayton represents tho railroad
and Col. Duyal the parties
above named. It seems the PROV
ince Of the former TO show, if pos
sible, that these lands (about TWEEN I
ty acres) are worth no more than |
lands anywere else in the territory, |
while Col. Duval, rs the attorney !
for the other parties, is trying to |
show its actual worth. The state
ments thus far vary from $50 to /
$1,000 dollars per acre. Itmust be
remembered that these lands lay |
Immediately adjoining Fort Smith
and along the banks Of the Poteau
river, that this stream is the source
from which the city does and ex-
poets TO get its supply of water, be-
sides adording the very best ia
cilities for manufacturing purpos-
es in the southwest.
The parties in possession have
utilized and known the value Of
these lands, and as proof, Mrs.
Bowers has had a ferry in sue
cessful operation for more than
thirty years, besides houses to
rent and brick yard turning out
1000 brick every favorable day.
But Col. Clayton says they get no
title TO the lands, knowing at the
same time that whenever these
parties give up and the railroad is
built, it is there for all time to
come and for which they would
not take a thousand times the val
ne and remove.
] would like to understand the
between the Indian and
railroad title 10 such lands rs has
been condemned lor the use Of the
latter. The Indians is certainly
a prior right and which he has not
given his consent TO abandon.
Another enquiry will make in
regard to this interesting question,
which is this: Why our executive
treats with such utter indifference
matters Of 80 much importance as
he appointing Of a railroad com
missioner when that duty devoly-
I'd upon him, and not leave or
hrust the responsibility upon
Judge Parker, who is not expected
o know or consult our interests
N tho choice he may make. If
'ur chief was opposed to the APP
Of a railroad commits
ioner unconditionally, it would I
eem to be his duty TO DO so un- {
Ter protest. The Choctaw chief /,
ppointed very efficient man to |
Ct for his nation and people in q
ua nnrsnn I of nanI MInnLnri l q